2015 Mid-Season Invitational Official Rules

2015 Mid-Season Invitational Official Rules

Version 1.00; March 27, 2015

Table of Contents 1.

2.

Team Member Eligibility ....................................................................................................................... 5 1.1

Player Age ..................................................................................................................................... 5

1.2

Regional Residency Requirement ................................................................................................. 5

1.3

No Riot Employees ........................................................................................................................ 5

Prize....................................................................................................................................................... 5 2.1

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Event Prize .................................................................................................................................... 5

Roster Rules .......................................................................................................................................... 6 3.1

Roster Requirements .................................................................................................................... 6

3.2

Roster Submission ......................................................................................................................... 6

3.3

Coach............................................................................................................................................. 6

3.4

Single-Day Substitutions ............................................................................................................... 7

3.5

Team Names, Team Tags and Player Names ................................................................................ 7

Player Equipment .................................................................................................................................. 8 4.1

MSI-Provided Equipment .............................................................................................................. 8

4.2

Player-Owned or Team-Owned Equipment .................................................................................. 8

4.3

Replacement of Equipment .......................................................................................................... 9

4.4

Player and Coach Apparel ............................................................................................................. 9

4.5

Computer Programs & Usage ..................................................................................................... 10

4.6

Client Accounts ........................................................................................................................... 10

4.7

Audio Controls ............................................................................................................................ 10

4.8

Equipment Tampering ................................................................................................................ 11

Venue and Competition Area Layout .................................................................................................. 12 5.1

General Venue Access ................................................................................................................. 12

5.2

Match Area.................................................................................................................................. 12

5.3

Warm-up Area............................................................................................................................. 12

5.4

Other Team Member Areas ........................................................................................................ 12

Tournament Structure ........................................................................................................................ 13 6.1

Definition of Terms ..................................................................................................................... 13

6.2

Schedule ...................................................................................................................................... 13

6.3

Phase Details ............................................................................................................................... 13

Match Process ..................................................................................................................................... 16


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7.1

Changes to Schedule ................................................................................................................... 16

7.2

Arrival at Studio .......................................................................................................................... 16

7.3

Role of Referees .......................................................................................................................... 16

7.4

Competitive Patch ....................................................................................................................... 17

7.5

Pre-Match Setup ......................................................................................................................... 17

7.6

Game Setup................................................................................................................................. 18

7.7

Pick / Ban Phase & Side Selection ............................................................................................... 19

8.

Game Rules ......................................................................................................................................... 23 8.1

Definition of Terms ..................................................................................................................... 23

8.2

Game of Record .......................................................................................................................... 23

8.3

Stoppage of Play ......................................................................................................................... 23

8.4

Game Restart .............................................................................................................................. 25

8.5

Awarded Game Victory ............................................................................................................... 27

8.6

Post-Game Process ..................................................................................................................... 27

8.7

Post-Match Process..................................................................................................................... 28

9.

Player Conduct .................................................................................................................................... 29 9.1

Competition Conduct .................................................................................................................. 29

9.2

Unprofessional Behavior ............................................................................................................. 31

9.3

Association with Gambling.......................................................................................................... 33

9.4

Subjection to Penalty .................................................................................................................. 34

9.5

Penalties ...................................................................................................................................... 34

9.6

Right to Publish ........................................................................................................................... 34

10.

Spirit of the Rules ............................................................................................................................ 35

10.1

Finality of Decisions .................................................................................................................... 35

10.2

Rule Changes ............................................................................................................................... 35


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Introduction and Purpose These Official Rules (“Rules”) of the 2015 Mid-Season Invitational (“MSI”) apply to each of the teams, who have qualified to play in the MSI in 2015, as well as their managers, coaches, players, and other employees. The MSI will consist of the top team from each of the five professional leagues that represent the regions North America, Europe, China, Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau, as well as the winner of the International Wild Card Invitational. These Rules apply only to the 2015 Season Mid-Season Invitational not to other competitions, tournaments or organized play of League of Legends (“LoL” or the “game”). The teams in the Mid-Season Invitational are subject to all the rules set forth. League of Legends Championship Series LLC, a Delaware limited liability company, has established these Rules for the competitive play of LoL in order to unify and standardize the rules used in the MSI. These Rules are designed solely to ensure the integrity of the system established by the MSI for professional play of LoL and a competitive balance among the teams that play at the professional level. Standardized rules benefit all parties who are involved in the professional play of LoL, including the teams, players, coaches, and general managers. These Rules do not restrict competition for players. The terms of engagement between players and teams are left to each of the teams and its players.


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1. Team Member Eligibility To be eligible to compete in the MSI, each player must satisfy the following conditions: 1.1 Player Age No player shall be considered eligible to participate in the MSI before his or her 17th birthday, defined as having lived 17 full years. 1.2 Regional Residency Requirement Each player must meet the eligibility requirements for the region they are representing at the MSI. 1.3 No Riot Employees Owners, managers, coaches, Starters, and Reserve players (“Team Members”) may not be employees of Riot Games Inc. (“RGI”) or League of Legends eSports Federation LLC or any of their respective affiliates at the start of or at any point during the MSI. “Affiliate” is defined as any person or other entity which own or controls, is under the ownership or control of, or is under common ownership or control with, an Owner. “Control” shall mean the power, through any means, to determine the policies or management of an entity, whether through the power to elect, appoint or approve, directly or indirectly, the directors, officers, managers or trustees of such entity or otherwise.

2. Prize 2.1 Event Prize The 2015 MSI Champion will receive a prize of $100,000 USD. The MSI Champion is considered the team that wins the best-of-five finals. The 2nd place finisher will receive $50,000 USD. Teams finishing in the 3rd/4th position will receive $25,000 USD. Teams finishing in the 5th/6th position will not receive a prize.


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Position: Champion 2nd Place 3rd – 4th 5th – 6th

Prize: $100,000 USD $50,000 USD $25,000 USD None

3. Roster Rules 3.1 Roster Requirements Each team is required to maintain, at all times during the MSI, five players in the starting lineup (“Starters”), one substitute player (“Reserve”), and a coach (collectively, the “Active Roster”). 3.2 Roster Submission Before the start of the MSI, each team must submit their roster to the MSI officials, assigning five starters, a coach, and one reserve. In the event that a team selects to modify the starting lineup, the request must be submitted in advance of any proposed effective date of any such change, at the earliest possible date and time. Requests to modify a starting lineup for the team’s first match on the first day may not be submitted any later than May 6, 2015, at 10:00pm local time. Requests must be made by the designated coach. Requests to modify a starting lineup for a team’s first match on any other day must be submitted no later than an hour after the conclusion of the broadcast. The Submission must also include all personal information requested about the Team and Team Members by the MSI officials. This shall include the Team Members’ In-Game Name (along with desired spelling and capitalization thereof).

3.3 Coach Each team will be required to have a designated coach. The coach cannot be a starting player, substitute player, active player on a challenger series team, owner, and/or manager for a professional team or a challenger team. If the regional league does not require mandatory coaches, then the coach is allowed to be the manager as well. The coach can only represent one organization. The coach will be required to be on-site for every game that the team participates in. If the coach is unable to make a game due to an emergency, the GM must assign an interim


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coach to be on-site instead. If a coach is not present on-site, then the team is subject to penalties. 3.4 Single-Day Substitutions If a team wishes to substitute players after the team’s first match on a given day, those substitutions must be declared to the head referee before the start of the next scheduled game, as defined as the start of the pick/ban process. To be clear, the next scheduled game means the next game scheduled to be broadcast, not the next game scheduled for the team wishing to make the change. A team may substitute a player within a match. The team must notify an MSI official and have the substitution approved immediately following the previous game, no later than 5 minutes after the explosion of the nexus. For example, if a team wishes to substitute a player in for game 2, then the coach must notify an MSI official no later than 5 minutes following game 1. 3.5 Team Names, Team Tags and Player Names Teams will be permitted a tag of 2-3 characters to be added to the front of each player’s Summoner Name on the tournament realm. These tags must be uppercase letters or numbers 0-9 only. Summoner Names may include upper-case letters, lower-case letters, numbers 09, underscores, or single spaces between words only. Summoner Names must not exceed 12 characters including spaces and can only use English characters. No additional special characters will be allowed for team names, Summoner Names, or tags. A team is allowed only one brand in their Summoner Name. Summoner Names and Team Names may not contain: vulgarities or obscenities; LoL champion derivatives or other similar character names; or derivatives of products or services that may create confusion. All Team Tags, Team Names, and Summoner Names must be approved by MSI officials in advance of use in play. Name changes are not allowed except under certain extenuating circumstances, but must be approved by MSI officials prior to use in an MSI game.


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4. Player Equipment 4.1 MSI-Provided Equipment MSI officials will provide, and MSI players will exclusively use, equipment in the following categories to MSI players for all official MSI matches: 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.3 4.1.4

PC & Monitor Hand Warmers Headsets and/or Earbuds and/or Microphones Table and Chair

At the request of an MSI player, MSI officials will provide the following categories of equipment for use in all official MSI matches: 4.1.5 4.1.6 4.1.7

PC Keyboards PC Mice and cord holders Mousepads

All MSI-provided equipment shall be chosen, selected, and determined at the sole discretion of the MSI officials. 4.2 Player-Owned or Team-Owned Equipment Players are allowed to send equipment in the following categories for preapproval, which are owned by themselves or their teams, and use such equipment during official MSI matches: 4.2.1 4.2.2 4.2.3

PC Keyboards PC Mice and cord holders PC Mousepads

In the match area, players may not bring, use, or wear any headsets, earbuds and/or microphones, other than those provided by the MSI, with the following sole exception: players may wear a second headset, which is owned by themselves or their Teams, around their necks, so long as such second headset is a product of a Team sponsor and remains, at all times, unplugged, unpowered, without a battery of any kind, and is not used for any purpose other than decoration. If the second headset has a microphone, it must, at all times, remain fully retracted or in the opposite of a “ready” position.


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All player-owned or team-owned equipment must be submitted to the MSI officials in advance for approval. Approved equipment will remain with MSI officials and will only be accessible before the match. Unapproved equipment or equipment that is suspected by the MSI officials of providing an unfair competitive advantage will not be permitted for use, and players will be required to use MSI-provided equipment instead. At their discretion, MSI officials may disallow the use of any individual piece of equipment for reasons relating to tournament security, safety, or operational efficiency or effectiveness. No player-owned or team-owned hardware or equipment may be brought into the Match Area if it features or displays any name, likeness or logo of a company or brand which is a competitor of Riot Games or LoL. 4.3 Replacement of Equipment If equipment or technical problems are suspected by MSI officials at any time, a player or MSI official may request a technical review of the situation. An MSI technician will diagnose and troubleshoot problems, as needed. Technicians may request that the MSI officials order replacement of any equipment, at their discretion. Decisions regarding the replacement of any equipment are solely at the discretion of the MSI officials. If a player wishes to use personal replacement equipment, the player must use equipment which has been preapproved by MSI officials otherwise they will be provided replacement equipment by the MSI officials. 4.4 Player and Coach Apparel Players must wear official team uniforms during all MSI matches and pre-match and post-match interviews by the MSI. If no uniform requirement exists, players must wear pants and closed-toe shoes, as well as visible team-branded apparel, on their upper body, during the entirety of any MSI event or appearance. All starting players must wear matching apparel during the game. The matching apparel includes shirts, jerseys, jackets, and pants. For the avoidance of doubt, sweatpants, athletic pants, and/or pajama pants will not be considered appropriate attire unless preapproved first by MSI officials. Jerseys and all other apparel worn during such times are subject to the restrictions set forth in Section 9 below, and are subject to the review and discretion of MSI officials. MSI officials will have final approval over all apparel.


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Coaches must wear appropriate attire while at the event. The attire will need to be approved by MSI officials. Appropriate attire does not include: athletic wear, sneakers, team branded apparel (like jerseys), etc. 4.5 Computer Programs & Usage Players are prohibited from installing their own programs and must use only the programs provided by the MSI. This includes the warm-up area computers. If a player wishes to install a program onto the warm-up area computers he must first ask an MSI official. 4.5.1

Voice Chat. Voice chat will be provided only via the native system used in the MSI-provided headsets. Use of third-party voice chat software (e.g., Skype) is not permitted. MSI officials may monitor a team’s audio at the discretion of the MSI.

4.5.2

Social Media and Communication. It is prohibited to use the MSI computers to view or post on any social media or communication sites. This includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, online forums/message boards and email.

4.5.3

Non-Essential Equipment. It is prohibited to connect non-essential equipment, such as cell phones, flash drives or MP3 players, to the MSI computers, for any reason.

4.6 Client Accounts Players will have Tournament Realm logins provided for them by the MSI. It is the players’ responsibility to configure their account to their preferences. The account’s Summoner Name must be set only to the player’s official tournament handle, as approved by the MSI officials. 4.7 Audio Controls Players will be required to maintain volume levels above minimum settings, which will be clearly marked on the controls. MSI officials may require players to adjust their volume levels higher if the officials determine, at their sole discretion, that volume levels are too low. Headphones must be placed directly on a player’s ears, and must remain there for the duration of the game. Players are not permitted to obstruct the placement of headphones by any method or place any item, including hats, scarves or other articles of clothing, between the headphones and the player’s ears.


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4.8 Equipment Tampering Players may not touch or handle another teammate’s owned or provided equipment after a match has started. Players who require assistance with their equipment should ask assistance from an MSI official.


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5. Venue and Competition Area Layout 5.1 General Venue Access Access for MSI teams to the restricted areas of venues for official MSI matches is restricted to Team Members only, unless otherwise approved, in advance, by MSI officials. Permission to attend MSI matches is solely at the discretion of the MSI. 5.2 Match Area The “match area” is comprised of the area immediately surrounding any competition PCs used during match play. During match play, presence of Team Members in the match area is restricted solely to the Starters of the teams in play. 5.2.1

Team Managers. Managers may be in the match area during the match prep process, but must leave prior to the pick/ban phase and may not return until after the end of the match.

5.2.2

Wireless Devices. Wireless devices, including mobile phones and tablets, must be powered off while the players are involved in active play, including during pick/ban phase, pauses, remakes, and between games of multi-game matches. MSI officials will collect such devices from players before entering into the match area and return them after the end of the match.

5.2.3

Food and Drink Restrictions. No food is allowed in the match areas. Drinks are permitted in the match area only in Riot-branded re-sealable containers. MSI officials will provide such containers to players upon request.

5.3 Warm-up Area The warm-up area (which also may be referred to as a “Green Room”) will contain PCs designated by the MSI specifically for players to practice on before their official matches begin. The warm-up area is reserved for Team Members only and access will be provided by MSI officials at their discretion. 5.4 Other Team Member Areas Other Team Member Areas are areas within the venue, as defined by MSI officials from time to time, designed to allow players to relax and socialize in locations separate from the match area. Access to these areas is limited to Team Members, unless specific permission is otherwise granted by MSI officials.


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6. Tournament Structure 6.1 Definition of Terms 6.1.1

Game. An instance of competition on the Summoner’s Rift map that is played until a winner is determined by one of the following methods, whichever occurs first: (a) completion of the final objective (destruction of a nexus), (b) Team Surrender, (c) Team Forfeit, or (d) Awarded Game Victory (See Section 8.5).

6.1.2

Match. A set of games that is played until one team wins a majority of the total games (e.g., winning two games out of three (“best of three”); winning three games out of five (“best of five”)). The winning team will either receive a win tally in a league format or advance to the next round in a tournament format.

6.2 Schedule 6.2.1 6.2.2 6.2.3

Group Stage (May 7 ~ May 8) Semifinals (~May 9) Finals (~May 10)

6.3 Phase Details 6.3.1

Group Stage. The first round of the MSI will be a best of one round robin. Each of the six qualified teams will play every other team once. Side selection for each matchup will be pre-determined by a coin flip. Teams will play a maximum of 3 games on the blue side, minimum of 2 games.

6.3.2

Tiebreaker. If two teams are tied after the Group Stage, head to head record will be used as the first tiebreaker. Tiebreaker games will be played following the final game of the Group Stage. Tied teams will compete against each other until there is a winner. If three or more teams are tied, the individual team head-to-head record of all teams against all other teams involved in the tiebreaker will be considered. If a single team owns a winning record (as defined as winning more than 50% of the games) against every other team in the tiebreaker, they are automatically granted the highest seed available in the tiebreaker, and a new tiebreaker is declared amongst the remaining teams.


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If no team in a tiebreaker holds a winning record against all other teams, the following structures will be used: 6.3.2.1 Three-way tie: The three teams will be drawn into seeds based on the cumulative times of all the victories for the individual teams. The number 1 seed will be given to the team that won their games the quickest while the remaining two seeds will play. The loser of the match up will be considered the lowest spot. The winner of the match up will play the remaining team for seeding. 6.3.2.2 Four-way tie: The teams will be drawn into a single elimination bracket based on the cumulative times of all the victories for the individual teams. Teams play Bo1 matches throughout the bracket. The seeds will be given in order to the teams that won their games the quickest. The four teams will be split into two first-round matches; the #1 seed will face the #4 seed, while the #2 seed will face the #3 seed. Seed #2

Game 1

Winner of Game 1

Seed #3

Seed #1

Game 2

Winner of Game 2

Seed #4

6.3.2.2.1

6.3.2.2.2


If the Four-way tie is for 1st place, then the bracket will be played as follows: The winners of the first round matches will face off in Game 3. The winner of Game 3 will be allowed to choose their semifinal opponent from the losers of the first round bracket games. If the Four-way tie is for 2nd place, then the bracket will be played as follows: The winners of the first round matches will meet in the semifinals as the 2nd and 3rd seed. A coin flip will be used to determine which team has side selection for that semifinal match. The losers of the first round bracket games will face in Game 3.

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The winner of Game 3 will be the 4th seed into the semifinals. The loser of Game 3 will be eliminated from the tournament. 6.3.2.2.3 If the Four-way tie is for 3rd place, then the bracket will be played as follows: The winners of the first round matches will face in Game 3. The winner of Game 3 will be considered the #3 seed in the semifinals. The loser of Game 3 will be considered the #4 seed in the semifinals. The losers of the first round bracket games will be eliminated from the tournament. 6.3.2.3 Five-way tie: The five teams will be drawn into seeds based on the cumulative times of all the victories for the individual teams. Teams play Bo1 matches throughout the bracket. The seeds will be given in order to the teams that won their games the quickest. 6.3.2.3.1 If the Five-way tie is for 1st place, then the bracket will be played as follows: The lowest two seeds based on time will face each other in Game 1. The loser will be eliminated from the tournament. The #2 and #3 seed will play in the second game, with the higher seed receiving side selection. The #1 seed based on time will face the winner of Game 1 in the third game. The winner of Game 2 will play the loser of Game 3 in the second round semifinals. The winner of Game 3 will play the loser of Game 2 in the second round semifinals. 6.3.2.3.2 If the Five-way tie is for 2nd place, then the bracket will be played as follows: The team that receives the highest seed based on time will be advanced as the #2 overall seed in the second round semifinals. Then a four-way tie for 3rd place bracket will begin with the remaining four seeds. Side selection for all tiebreaker games will be given to the superior seed. 6.3.3

Second Round. Second round of the tournament will consist of two best-of-five matches. Seeding will be determined by team records from the Group Stage. The team securing the #1 seed from the group stages will play the #4 seed. The team securing the #2 seed will play the #3 seed. The winners of each match will meet in the finals.

6.3.4

Final Round. The final round of the tournament will consist of one bestof-five match between the winner of semifinal #1 and semifinal #2. The winner of the final round will be considered the tournament champion.


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7. Match Process 7.1 Changes to Schedule MSI officials may, at their sole discretion, re-order the schedule of matches within a given day and/or change the date of an MSI match to a different date or otherwise modify the schedule of matches. In the event that the MSI modifies a match schedule, the MSI will notify all teams at the earliest convenience. 7.2 Arrival at Studio Members of a team’s Active Roster who are participating in an MSI event must arrive at the studio no later than the time specified by MSI officials. 7.3 Role of Referees 7.3.1

Responsibilities. Referees are MSI officials who are responsible for making judgments on every match-related issue, question and situation which occurs before, during, and immediately following match play. Their oversight includes, but is not limited to:

7.3.1.1 Checking the team’s lineup before a match. 7.3.1.2 Checking and monitoring player peripherals and match areas. 7.3.1.3 Announcing the beginning of the match. 7.3.1.4 Ordering pause/resume during play. 7.3.1.5 Issuing penalties in response to Rule violations during the match. 7.3.1.6 Confirming the end of the match and its results. 7.3.2

Referee Comportment. At all times, referees shall conduct themselves in a professional manner, and shall issue rulings in an impartial manner. No passion or prejudice will be shown towards any player, team, team manager, coach, owner, or other individual.

7.3.3

Finality of Judgment. If a referee makes an incorrect judgment, the judgment cannot be reversed during the match, as the decision of the referee is absolute. However, MSI officials at their discretion may evaluate the decision after the completion of the match to determine if the proper procedure was implemented to allow for a fair decision. If the proper procedure was not followed, MSI officials reserve the right to potentially invalidate the referee’s decision. MSI officials will always maintain final say in all decisions set forth throughout the MSI.

7.3.4

Gambling Prohibition. All rules prohibiting gambling on LoL, as found below in Section 9, shall apply to referees without limitation.


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7.4 Competitive Patch The MSI will be played on the 5.7 patch. Changes to the competitive patch will be at the discretion of the MSI. Champions who have not been available on the live service for more than 2 weeks will be automatically restricted. Champions that have undergone reworks will be subject to the MSI officials’ discretion. 7.5 Pre-Match Setup 7.5.1

Setup Time. Players will have designated blocks of time prior to their match time to ensure they are fully prepared. MSI officials will inform players and teams of their scheduled setup time and duration as part of their match schedule. MSI officials may change the schedule at any time. Setup time is considered to have begun once players enter the Match Area, at which point they are not allowed to leave without permission of the on-site MSI official or referee and accompaniment by another MSI official. Setup is comprised of the following:

7.5.1.1 Ensuring the quality of all MSI-provided equipment. 7.5.1.2 Connecting and calibrating peripherals. 7.5.1.3 Ensuring proper function of voice chat system. 7.5.1.4 Setting up rune and mastery pages. 7.5.1.5 Adjusting in-game settings. 7.5.1.6 Limited in-game warm-up. 7.5.2

Seating Order. Players must sit in the order in which they will join the lobby: Top, Jungle, Mid, ADC, Support. This order should be considered from the vantage point of a viewer standing in front of the players, and read from left-to-right.

7.5.3

Technical Failure of Equipment. If a player encounters any equipment problems during any phase of the setup process, player must alert and notify an MSI official immediately.

7.5.4

Technical Support. MSI officials will be available to assist with the setup process and troubleshoot any problems encountered during the pre-match setup period.

7.5.5

Timeliness of Match Start. It is expected that players will resolve any issues with the setup process within the allotted time and that match will begin at the scheduled time. Delays due to setup problems may be


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permitted, at the sole discretion of MSI officials. Penalties for tardiness may be assessed at the discretion of the MSI officials. 7.5.6

Acknowledgement of Pre-Match Testing. No fewer than ten minutes before the match is scheduled to begin, an MSI official will confirm with each player that their setup is complete.

7.5.7

Player Ready State. Once all ten players in a match have confirmed completion of setup, players may not alter their rune pages or enter a warm-up game.

7.5.8

Game Lobby Creation. MSI officials will decide how the official game lobby will be created. Players will be directed by MSI officials to join a game lobby as soon as testing has been completed, in the following order of positions: Top, Jungle, Mid, ADC, Support.

7.6 Game Setup

7.6.1

Start of Pick / Ban Process. Once all ten players have reported to the official game lobby, an MSI official will request confirmation that both teams are ready for the pick/ban phase (as defined and described below). Once both teams confirm readiness, an MSI official will instruct the room owner to start the game. The coach will be granted on-stage access and will be allowed to communicate with the team during the Pick/Ban Process. The coach will exit the stage to a designated position once the countdown timer has reached 5 seconds during the Trading-Phase.

7.6.2

Recording of Pick / Ban Process. Picks/bans will proceed through the client’s Tournament Draft feature. If picks/bans are completed substantially in advance of game setup, at the instruction and discretion of MSI officials, the MSI officials will record the official picks/bans and manually abort the game start.

7.6.3

General / Game Settings

7.6.3.1 Map: Summoner’s Rift 7.6.3.2 Team Size: 5 7.6.3.3 Allow Spectators: Lobby Only 7.6.3.4 Game Type: Tournament Draft (See Setup screen below)


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7.7 Pick / Ban Phase & Side Selection 7.7.1

Tournament Draft. MSI officials may choose to employ either the Tournament Draft mode feature or a manual draft (e.g., draft that is conducted in chat without the use of an in-game feature). Starters for each team cannot be substituted after the start of the draft. Players may play any Champion which their team has drafted, but must confirm their selection with an MSI official.


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7.7.2

Restrictions on Gameplay Elements. Restrictions may be added at any time before or during a match, if there are known bugs with any items, Champions, skins, runes, masteries, or Summoner spells, or for any other reason as determined at the discretion of the MSI.

7.7.3

Side Selection. Teams’ sides will be pre-selected by coin flip during the Group Stage. In the second and final round, the higher seed will have side selection for all odd games. The lower seed will have side selection for all even games. For example, the higher seed may choose to play game 1 on blue side, but game 3 and 5 on red side and the lower seed may choose to play game 2 on red side and game 4 on blue side. Both teams will be required to submit their final decision by 11:59pm of the night before the start of the broadcast (in the time zone where the game will be played). If no decision is submitted the teams will default to blue side for their games.

7.7.4

Draft Mode. Draft mode proceeds in a snake draft format as follows: Blue Team= A; Red Team = B Bans: ABABAB Picks: ABBAABBAAB

7.7.5

Selection Error. In the event of an erroneously-selected Champion pick or ban, the team in error must notify an MSI official before the other team has locked in their next selection. If so, the process will be restarted and brought back to the point at which the error occurred so that the team in error may correct its mistake. If the next selection is locked before the team in error gives notice to an MSI official, the erroneous selection shall be deemed irrevocable.

7.7.6

Trading Champions. Teams must complete all champion trades before the 20-second mark during the Trading Phase, or will be subject to a penalty in future games.


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7.7.7

Game Start After Pick/Ban. A game will start immediately after the pick/ban process is complete, unless otherwise stated by an MSI official. At this point, MSI officials will remove any printed materials from the Match Area, including any notes written by Team Members. Players are not allowed to quit a game during the time between the completion of picks/bans and game launch, also known as “Free Time.”

7.7.8

Controlled Game Start. In the event of an error in game start or a decision by MSI officials to separate the pick/ban process from game start, an MSI official may start the game in a controlled manner using Blind Pick. All players will select Champions in accordance with the previous valid completed pick/ban process. (See Setup screen on next page)


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7.7.9

Slow Client Load. If a Bugsplat, disconnect, or any other failure occurs which interrupts the loading process and prevents a player from joining a game upon game start, the game must be immediately paused until all ten players are connected to the game.


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8. Game Rules 8.1 Definition of Terms 8.1.1

Unintentional Disconnection. A player losing connection to the game due to problems or issues with the game client, platform, network, or PC.

8.1.2

Intentional Disconnection. A player losing connection to the game due to player’s actions (i.e. quitting the game). Any actions of a player which lead to a disconnection shall be deemed intentional, regardless of the actual intent of the player.

8.1.3

Server Crash. All players losing connection to a game due to an issue with a game server, Tournament Realm platform, or venue internet instability.

8.2 Game of Record A game of record (“GOR”) refers to a game where all ten players have loaded and which has progressed to a point of meaningful interaction between opposing teams. Once a game attains GOR status, the period ends in which incidental restarts may be permitted and a game will be considered as “official” from that point onward. After the establishment of GOR, game restarts will be allowed only under limited conditions (see Section 8.4). Examples of conditions which establish GOR: 8.2.1

Any attack or ability is landed on minions, jungle creeps, structures, or enemy Champions.

8.2.2

Line-of-sight is established between players on opposing teams.

8.2.3

Setting foot, establishing vision or targeting skillshot ability in opponent’s jungle by either team, which includes either leaving the river or entering brush connected to enemy jungle.

8.2.4

Game timer reaches two minutes (00:02:00).

8.3 Stoppage of Play If a player intentionally disconnects without notifying an MSI official or pausing, an MSI official is not required to enforce a stoppage. During any pause or stoppage, players may not leave the match area unless authorized by an MSI official.


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8.3.1

Directed Pause. MSI officials may order the pause of a match or execute a pause command on any player station at the sole discretion of the MSI officials, at any time.

8.3.2

Player Pause. Players may only pause a match immediately following any of the events described below, but must signal an MSI official immediately after the pause and identify the reason. Acceptable reasons include:

8.3.2.1 An Unintentional Disconnection 8.3.2.2 A hardware or software malfunction (e.g. monitor power or peripheral disability or game glitch) 8.3.2.3 Physical interference with a player (e.g., fan gank or broken chair) Player illness, injury, or disability is not an acceptable reason for a player pause. In such a situation, the team must alert an MSI official, who may in his/her sole discretion, grant a pause in order to evaluate the identified player to determine whether player is ready, willing, and able to continue playing within a reasonable period of time, as determined by the MSI official, but not to exceed a few minutes. If the MSI official determines that the identified player is not able to continue playing within such reasonable period of time, then the identified player’s team shall forfeit the game unless an MSI official, in his/her discretion, determines that the game is subject to an Awarded Game Victory (see Section 8.5). 8.3.3

Resuming the Game. Players are not permitted to restart the game after a pause. After clearance from an MSI official is issued and all players are notified and ready at their stations, which will be contingent on the team captain confirming through in-game chat that both teams are ready to resume play, the in-client spectators will unpause the game.

8.3.4

Unauthorized Pause. If a player pauses or unpauses a game without permission from an MSI official, it will be considered unfair play and penalties will be applied at the discretion of MSI officials.

8.3.5

Player Communication During Stoppage of Play. For the fairness of all competing teams, players are not allowed to communicate, in any fashion, with each other during a game pause. For the avoidance of doubt, players may communicate to the referee, but only when directed in order to identify and remedy the cause for the stoppage. If a pause extends long enough, referees may, at their sole discretion, allow teams to talk before the game is unpaused, in order to discuss the game conditions.


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8.4 Game Restart The decision of which condition(s) shall justify a game restart is solely at the discretion of MSI officials. Examples are listed below for purposes of illustration only: 8.4.1

Restarts Before GOR. The following are examples of situations in which a game may be restarted if GOR has not been established.

8.4.1.1 If a player notices that player’s rune, mastery, or GUI settings have not applied correctly between the game lobby and match due to a perceived bug, the player can pause the game to adjust these settings. If the settings cannot be correctly adjusted, then the game may be restarted if the bug can be confirmed. 8.4.1.2 If an MSI official determines that technical difficulties will not allow for the game to resume as normal (including a team’s ability to be in proper position for certain game events, such as minion spawn). 8.4.2

Restarts After GOR. The following are examples of situations in which a game be restarted after GOR has been established:

8.4.2.1 If a game experiences a critical bug at any point during the match which significantly alters game stats or gameplay mechanics. 8.4.2.2 If an MSI official determines that there are environmental conditions which are unfair (e.g. excessive noise, hostile weather, unacceptable safety risks). 8.4.3

Restart Protocol. If a game experiences a critical bug at any point during the match that significantly alters game stats or gameplay mechanics, or the external environmental conditions become untenable then a restart may occur. Certain circumstances must be met before a restart may occur. MSI officials must determine that the bug is critical and verifiable. For the bug to be considered critical, the bug must damage a player’s ability to compete in the game situation. The determination of whether the bug has damaged a player’s ability to compete is up to the sole discretion of the MSI officials. In order for a bug to be considered verifiable, the bug must be conclusively present and not attributable to player error. The spectator must then be able to replay the instance in question and verify the bug. If a player believes s/he has experienced a critical bug, s/he must pause the game and alert a referee in a timely fashion. If it is believed that a


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player is attempting to delay reporting of a bug to wait for a possible restart at a more advantageous time, then a restart will no longer be granted. If MSI officials determine that the bug is critical and verifiable and that the player followed the pause protocol, then the disadvantaged team will be presented with the option for a restart. If the team accepts, the game will immediately be restarted as per the rules established in Section 8.4. An exception to Rule 8.4 is if the restart occurred due to a champion bug, then settings no longer will be retained (including picks and bans) regardless of Game of Record status and the champion will be made ineligible for at least the remainder of the day’s matches unless the bug can be conclusively tied to a specific game element that can be fully removed (i.e. a skin that can be disabled). If a team is offered a restart and declines, then the team will be ineligible to request a restart on the bug that caused the potential restart for the remainder of the match. However, MSI officials reserve the right at all times to force a game restart if the game environment reaches a level of instability that compromises the competitive integrity of the game. 8.4.4

Controlled Environment. Certain conditions may be preserved in the event of a restart of a game that has not reached GOR, including, without limitation, picks/bans or Summoner spells. If, however, a match has reached GOR then MSI officials shall not retain any settings.

8.4.5

Player Confirmation of Settings. Each team captain shall verify that every player on his/her team has finalized their intended game settings (including runes, masteries, controls, and GUI settings) before GOR is established. Any error in verification is not grounds for a game restart after GOR is established.


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8.5 Awarded Game Victory In the event of a technical difficulty which leads MSI officials to declare a restart, the MSI may instead award a game victory to a team. If a game has been played for more than 20 minutes on the game clock (00:20:00), MSI officials, in their sole discretion, may determine that a team cannot avoid defeat to a degree of reasonable certainty. The following criteria may be used in the determination of reasonable certainty. 8.5.1

Gold Differential. The difference in gold between the teams is more than 33%.

8.5.2

Remaining Turret Differential. The difference in the number of remaining turrets between the teams is more than seven (7).

8.5.3

Remaining Inhibitor Differential. The difference in the number of standing inhibitors between the teams is more than two (2).

8.6 Post-Game Process 8.6.1

Results. MSI officials will confirm and record game result.

8.6.2

Tech Notes. Players will identify any tech issues with MSI officials.

8.6.3

Break Time. MSI officials will inform players of the remaining amount of time before the next game’s pick/ban phase begins. Pick/ban phase will commence as scheduled, regardless of whether a team is fully present in the match area at that time. MSI officials may, at their discretion, log in to a player’s account and join the game lobby. If only a single player from a team is present in the match area when the pick/ban phase begins, that player may determine all picks/bans for his/her team; however, if no player from a team is present in the match area when the pick/ban phase begins, that team shall be deemed to have forfeited the game.

8.6.4

Results of Forfeiture. Matches won by forfeit will be reported by the minimum score it would take for one team to win the match (e.g. 1-0 for best-of-1 matches, 2-0 for best-of-three matches, 3-0 for best-of-five matches). No other statistics will be recorded for forfeited matches.


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8.7 Post-Match Process 8.7.1

Results. MSI officials will confirm and record the match result.

8.7.2

Next Match. Players will be informed of their current standing in the competition, including their next scheduled match.

8.7.3

Post-Match Obligations. Players will be informed of any post-match obligations, including, but not limited to, media appearances, interviews, or further discussion of any match matters.


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9. Player Conduct 9.1 Competition Conduct 9.1.1

Unfair Play. The following actions will be considered unfair play and will be subject to penalties at the discretion of MSI officials.

9.1.1.1 Collusion. Collusion is defined as any agreement among two (2) or more players and/or confederates to disadvantage opposing players. Collusion includes, but is not limited to, acts such as: 9.1.1.1.1

9.1.1.1.2 9.1.1.1.3 9.1.1.1.4

Soft play, which is defined as any agreement among two (2) or more players to not damage, impede or otherwise play to a reasonable standard of competition in a game. Pre-arranging to split prize money and/or any other form of compensation. Sending or receiving signals, electronic or otherwise, from a confederate to/from a player. Deliberately losing a game for compensation, or for any other reason, or attempting to induce another player to do so.

9.1.1.2 Competitive Integrity. Teams are expected to play at their best at all times within any MSI game, and to avoid any behavior inconsistent with the principles of good sportsmanship, honesty, or fair play. For the purpose of clarification, team composition and the pick/ban phase will not be considered when determining whether this rule has been violated. 9.1.1.3 Hacking. Hacking is defined as any modification of the League of Legends game client by any player, team or person acting on behalf of a player or a team. 9.1.1.4 Exploiting. Exploiting is defined as intentionally using any in-game bug to seek an advantage. Exploiting includes, but is not limited to, acts such as: glitches in buying items, glitches in neutral minion interactions, glitches in Champion ability performance, or any other game function that, in the sole determination of MSI officials, is not functioning as intended. 9.1.1.5 Spectator Monitors. Looking at or attempting to look at spectator monitors. 9.1.1.6 Ringing. Playing under another player’s account or soliciting, inducing, encouraging or directing someone else to play under another player’s account.


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9.1.1.7 Cheating Device. The use of any kind of cheating device and/or cheat program, or any similar cheating method such as signaling devices, hand signals, etc. 9.1.1.8 Intentional Disconnection. An intentional disconnection without a proper and explicitly-stated reason. 9.1.1.9 MSI Discretion. Any other further act, failure to act, or behavior which, in the sole judgment of MSI officials, violates these Rules and/or the standards of integrity established by the MSI for competitive game play. 9.1.2

Profanity and Hate Speech. A Team Member may not use language that is obscene, foul, vulgar, insulting, threatening, abusive, libelous, slanderous, defamatory or otherwise offensive or objectionable; or promote or incite hatred or discriminatory conduct, in or near the match area, at any time. A Team Member may not use any facilities, services or equipment provided or made available by MSI or its contractors to post, transmit, disseminate or otherwise make available any such prohibited communications. A Team Member may not use this type of language on social media or during any public facing events such as streaming.

9.1.3

Disruptive Behavior / Insults. A Team Member may not take any action or perform any gesture directed at an opposing Team Member, fan, or official, or incite any other individual(s) to do the same, which is insulting, mocking, disruptive, or antagonistic.

9.1.4

Abusive Behavior. Abuse of MSI officials, opposing Team Members, or audience members will not be tolerated. Repeated etiquette violations, including but not limited to touching another player’s computer, body or property will result in penalties. Team Members and their guests (if any) must treat all individuals attending a match with respect.

9.1.5

Studio Interference. No Team Member may touch or otherwise interfere with lights, cameras or other studio equipment. Team Members may not stand on chairs, tables or other studio equipment. Team Members must follow all instructions of MSI studio personnel.

9.1.6

Unauthorized Communications. All mobile phones, tablets and other voice-enabled and/or “ringing” electronic devices must be removed from the play area before the game. Players may not text/email or use social media while in the match area. During the match, communication by a Starter shall be limited to the players on Starter’s team.


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9.1.7

Apparel. Team Members may wear apparel with multiple logos, patches or promotional language. MSI reserves the right at all times to impose a ban on objectionable or offensive apparel:

9.1.13.1 Containing any false, unsubstantiated, or unwarranted claims for any product or service, or testimonials, that MSI, in its sole and absolute discretion, considers unethical. 9.1.13.2 Advertising any non-"over the counter" drug, tobacco product, firearm, handgun or ammunition. 9.1.13.3 Containing any material constituting or relating to any activities which are illegal in any MSI region, including but not limited to, a lottery or an enterprise, service or product that abets, assists or promotes gambling. 9.1.13.4 Containing any material that is defamatory, obscene, profane, vulgar, repulsive or offensive, or that describes or depicts any internal bodily functions or symptomatic results of internal conditions, or refers to matters which are not considered socially acceptable topics. 9.1.13.5 Advertising any pornographic website or pornographic products. 9.1.13.6 Containing any trademark, copyrighted material or other element of intellectual property that is used without the owner's consent or that may give rise to, or subject MSI or its affiliates to, any claim of infringement, misappropriation, or other form of unfair competition. 9.1.13.7 Disparaging or libeling any opposing team or player or any other person, entity or product. 9.1.13.8 The MSI reserves the right to refuse entry or continued participation in the match to any Team Member who does not comply with the aforementioned apparel rules. 9.1.14 Identity. A player may not cover his or her face or attempt to conceal his or her identity from MSI officials. MSI officials must be able to distinguish the identity of each player at all times and may instruct players to remove any material that inhibits the identification of players or is a distraction to other players or MSI officials. 9.2 Unprofessional Behavior 9.2.1

Responsibility Under Code. Unless expressly stated otherwise, offenses and infringements of these Rules are punishable, whether or not they were committed intentionally. Attempts to commit such offenses or infringements are also punishable.

9.2.2

Harassment. Harassment is forbidden. Harassment is defined as systematic, hostile and repeated acts taking place over a considerable


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period of time, which are intended to isolate or ostracize a person and/or affect the dignity of the person. 9.2.3

Sexual Harassment. Sexual harassment is forbidden. Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances. The assessment is based on whether a reasonable person would regard the conduct as undesirable or offensive. There is zero tolerance for any sexual threats/coercion or the promise of advantages in exchange for sexual favors.

9.2.4

Discrimination and Denigration. Team Members may not offend the dignity or integrity of a country, private person or group of people through contemptuous, discriminatory or denigrating words or actions on account of race, skin color, ethnic, national or social origin, gender, language, religion, political opinion or any other opinion, financial status, birth or any other status, sexual orientation or any other reason.

9.2.5

Statements Regarding MSI, Riot Games, and League of Legends. Team Members may not give, make, issue, authorize or endorse any statement or action having, or designed to have, an effect prejudicial or detrimental to the best interest of MSI, Riot Games or its affiliates, or League of Legends, as determined in the sole and absolute discretion of MSI.

9.2.6

Tribunal Punishment. If a Team Member is found guilty and punished by the Riot Tribunal, MSI officials may assign an additional competition penalty at their sole discretion.

9.2.7

Player Behavior Investigation. If MSI or Riot determines that a Team Member has violated the Summoner’s Code, the LoL Terms of Service, or other rules of LoL, MSI officials may assign penalties at their sole discretion.

9.2.8

Criminal Activity. A Team Member may not engage in any activity which is prohibited by common law, statute, or treaty and which leads to or may be reasonably deemed likely to lead to conviction in any court of competent jurisdiction.

9.2.9

Moral Turpitude. A Team Member may not engage in any activity which is deemed by the MSI to be immoral, disgraceful, or contrary to conventional standards of proper ethical behavior.


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9.2.10 Confidentiality. A Team Member may not disclose any confidential information provided by MSI or any affiliate of Riot Games, by any method of communication, including all social media channels. 9.2.11 Bribery. No Team Member may offer any gift or reward to a player, coach, manager, MSI official, Riot Games employee, or person connected with or employed by another MSI team for services promised, rendered, or to be rendered in defeating or attempting to defeat a competing team. 9.2.12 No Poaching or Tampering. No Team Member or Affiliate of a team may solicit, lure, or make an offer of employment to any Team Member who is signed to any MSI team, nor encourage any such Team Member to breach or otherwise terminate a contract with said MSI team. Violations of this rule shall be subject to penalties, at the discretion of MSI officials. 9.2.13 Gifts. No Team Member may accept any gift, reward or compensation for services promised, rendered, or to be rendered in connection with competitive play of the game, including services related to defeating or attempting to defeat a competing team or services designed to throw or fix a match or game. The sole exception to this rule shall be in the case of performance-based compensation paid to a Team Member by a team's official sponsor or owner. 9.2.14 Non-Compliance. No Team Member may refuse or fail to apply the instructions or decisions of MSI officials. 9.2.15 Match-Fixing. No Team Member may offer, agree, conspire, or attempt to influence the outcome of a game or match by any means that are prohibited by law or these Rules. 9.2.16 Document or Miscellaneous Requests. Documentation or other reasonable items may be required at various times throughout the MSI as requested by MSI officials. Penalties may be imposed if the items or documentation requested are not received and/or completed at the required time or does not meet the standards set by the MSI. 9.3 Association with Gambling No Team Member or MSI official may take part, either directly or indirectly, in betting or gambling on any results of any League of Legends tournament or match globally.


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9.4 Subjection to Penalty Any person found to have engaged in or attempted to engage in any act that MSI believes, in its sole and absolute discretion, constitutes unfair play, will be subject to penalty. The nature and extent of the penalties imposed due to such acts shall be in the sole and absolute discretion of the MSI.

9.5 Penalties Upon discovery of any Team Member committing any violations of the rules listed above, the MSI may, without limitation of its authority under Section 9.4, issue the following penalties: 9.5.1

Verbal Warning(s)

9.5.2

Loss of Side Selection for Current or Future Game(s)

9.5.3

Loss of Ban for Current or Future Game(s)

9.5.4

Fine(s) and/or Prize Forfeiture(s)

9.5.5

Game Forfeiture(s)

9.5.6

Match Forfeiture(s)

9.5.7

Suspension(s)

9.5.8

Disqualification(s)

Repeated infractions are subject to escalating penalties, up to, and including, disqualification from future participation in MSI. It should be noted that penalties may not always be imposed in a successive manner. The MSI, in its sole discretion, for example, can disqualify a player for a first offense if the action of said player is deemed egregious enough to be worthy of disqualification by MSI officials. 9.6 Right to Publish MSI shall have the right to publish a declaration stating that a Team Member has been penalized. Any Team Members and/or team which may be referenced in such declaration hereby waive any right of legal action against the League of Legends Championship Series, LLC, Riot Games, Inc., and/or any of their parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, employees, agents, or contractors.


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10.

Spirit of the Rules 10.1 Finality of Decisions All decisions regarding the interpretation of these rules, player eligibility, scheduling and staging of the MSI, and penalties for misconduct, lie solely with the MSI, the decisions of which are final. MSI decisions with respect to these Rules cannot be appealed and shall not give rise to any claim for monetary damages or any other legal or equitable remedy. 10.2 Rule Changes These Rules may be amended, modified or supplemented by the MSI, from time to time, in order to ensure fair play and the integrity of the MSI.

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